The Estates

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For other uses, see State (disambiguation).
"The States" redirects here. For the United States of America, see United States.

The States or the Estates signifies, in different countries and dominions, the assembly of the (feudalistic) representatives of the estates of the realm, called together for purposes of legislation or deliberation. In German speaking countries they were also known by the name Landtag (see also Diet).

In some states, the first estate were the Roman Catholic clergymen, the second estate was composed of the nobility, and the third estate was composed of the bourgeoisie and the peasants. Bourgeoisie, peasants and one with no estate from birth were separated in Sweden and Finland, as late as until 1905.

[edit] Examples

[edit] States General

In some countries, the estates were called together for the generality (States General or Diet)

In some countries the present-day parliament or government still has the historical name.